Introduction To Computer Science

1. Explain the basic concepts of computer science and information technology.
2. Identify the hardware and software components of a computer system.
3. Describe the different types of operating systems and their functions.
4. Understand the principles of computer programming and algorithm design.
5. Develop simple applications using Visual Basic.
6. Recognize and prevent computer security threats.

13 weeks, about 46 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Understanding the Computer

   • Unit 1: Basic Concepts · 2 hours

     Read the definition of a computer and understand its basic functions.. Differentiate between data and information.. Identify and compare manual, mechanical, and computer methods of data processing..

   • Unit 2: Historical Overview of the Computer · 2 hours

     Trace the historical evolution of computers from early calculating devices to modern electronic computers.. Identify the key characteristics of each generation of computers..

   • Unit 3: Classification of Computers · 2 hours

     Classify computers based on size, type of signal, and purpose.. Distinguish between digital, analog, and hybrid computers.. Differentiate between special-purpose and general-purpose computers..

2. Week 2Module 2: Computer Hardware

   • Unit 1: Hardware Components (1) · 3 hours

     Identify the components of the system unit, including the motherboard, processor, memory, and power supply.. Explain the importance of each component to the overall operation of the computer..

   • Unit 2: Hardware Components (2) – Peripheral Devices · 3 hours

     Identify and describe the functions of various peripheral devices, such as the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and printer.. Explain the role of input and output units in a computer system..

3. Week 3Module 2: Computer Hardware

   • Unit 3: Auxiliary Equipment · 3 hours

     Identify and describe the functions of auxiliary equipment, such as air conditioners, voltage stabilizers, and UPS systems.. Explain the importance of auxiliary equipment in maintaining a stable and reliable computing environment..

4. Week 4Module 3: Computer Software

   • Unit 1: Computer Software (1) · 3 hours

     Define computer software and explain its role in enabling the computer to perform tasks.. Classify computer software into system software and application software.. Describe the functions of operating systems and their components..

5. Week 5Module 3: Computer Software

   • Unit 2: Computer Software (2) · 3 hours

     Discuss the different types of language translators, including assemblers, interpreters, and compilers.. Explain the role of utility software in maintaining and enhancing computer operations.. Describe various categories of application software and their uses..

6. Week 6Module 4: Programming the Computer

   • Unit 1: Computer Languages · 3 hours

     Explain the concept of computer programming languages and their evolution.. Differentiate between machine language, assembly language, high-level languages, and very high-level languages..

7. Week 7Module 4: Programming the Computer

   • Unit 2: Basic Principles of Computer Programming · 3 hours

     State the principles of good programming and the stages involved in writing computer programs.. Explain the importance of problem definition, algorithm design, coding, debugging, testing, and documentation..

8. Week 8Module 4: Programming the Computer

   • Unit 3: Flowcharts and Algorithms · 3 hours

     Explain the principles of good programming ethics through flowcharting and algorithms.. Use flowchart symbols to represent the steps in an algorithm.. Write algorithms and pseudocodes to solve simple problems..

9. Week 9Module 5: Computer Application Programming Using Visual Basic

   • Unit 1: Programming in Visual Basic (1) · 3 hours

     Work with graphical objects in the Visual Basic environment.. Design a project from the application wizard.. Use the toolbox to add controls to a form..

10. Week 10Module 5: Computer Application Programming Using Visual Basic

    • Unit 2: Visual Basic Project Window · 3 hours

      Demonstrate mastery of the Visual Basic programming environment.. Use the Project window to manage application components.. Use the Properties window to modify control properties..

11. Week 11Module 5: Computer Application Programming Using Visual Basic

    • Unit 3: Creating Menu Applications · 3 hours

      Identify the steps involved in creating Visual Basic applications with menus.. Use the Menu Editor to add menu options and submenus to a form..

12. Week 12Module 5: Computer Application Programming Using Visual Basic

    • Unit 4: Analysing Visual Basic Data · 3 hours

      Operate in the Code window and write Visual Basic code.. Declare data, use variables of different data types, and use operators.. Write programs using conditional statements and loops..

13. Week 13Module 7: Threats to the Computer

    • Unit 1: Computer Virus · 4 hours

      Explain the concept of computer viruses and their mode of transmission.. Detect viruses in computers and explain how to prevent them.. Clean viruses from a computer installation..